Death Penalty Controversy--Cruel Punishment or Justice?

Unfortunately, I and others like me have remained silent too long. Most people would agree that murder is wrong. If murder is wrong (for whatever reasons one chooses to use) then the death penalty is wrong simply because it is premeditated murder. There are many other reasons one can use in addition; not the least of which is that the practice is barbaric and for a (supposedly) civilized society to engage in such a practice is paradoxical.

One can forget all the other arguments and simply reject the death penalty on an economic basis. It would be much cheaper to keep the accused in prison for life (no parole) than to pay for the legal and special confinement costs.

In addition, there is no hard evidence that the death penalty reduces the type of crime for which it is imposed.

WARREN D. HANCOCK

Newport Beach